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Household Decisions and the Gender Gap in Job Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Bredemeier, Christian

    (University of Wuppertal)

  • Ndlovu, Patrick

    (University of Antwerp)

  • Vujic, Suncica

    (University of Antwerp)

  • Winkler, Roland

    (University of Jena)

Abstract

This paper offers a novel theoretical explanation for the gender gap in job satisfaction, where women typically report higher job satisfaction than men. We argue that rational family decisions can result in divergent job choices for women and men, leading to increased job satisfaction but lower earnings for women, even when their preferences and expectations align with those of men. We develop this explanation within a theoretical model of collective household decision-making that considers relative earnings disparities within households. We provide empirical evidence supporting our model's predictions utilizing survey and administrative data from Canada.

Suggested Citation

  • Bredemeier, Christian & Ndlovu, Patrick & Vujic, Suncica & Winkler, Roland, 2024. "Household Decisions and the Gender Gap in Job Satisfaction," IZA Discussion Papers 16760, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16760
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    job satisfaction; gender gap; households;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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